What To Do If You Failed With Universal CPA Review: A Step-by-Step Guide

Failing a section of the CPA exam can be a crushing experience, especially when you've invested time and money in a program like Universal CPA Review alongside your big box course such as Becker, UWorld, Surgent, or Gleim. If you find yourself in this situation, take a deep breath. You're not alone, and this setback doesn't define your journey. Many successful CPAs have faced similar challenges on their path to certification.

In this guide, we'll walk through a step-by-step process to help you regroup, refocus, and strategize for success on your next attempt. Let's turn this stumbling block into a stepping stone.

Assess Your Study Approach

The first step in bouncing back is to take an honest look at your study habits. Ask yourself:

1. Did you consistently stick to your study schedule?
2. How did you perform on practice questions and mock exams?
3. Were there specific topics or question types that consistently tripped you up?

This self-assessment isn't about beating yourself up. It's about identifying areas for improvement. Maybe you need to dedicate more time to studying, or perhaps your time management during the exam needs work. Whatever the case, recognizing these issues is the first step toward addressing them.

Maximize Universal CPA Review's Resources

Universal CPA Review, a popular study supplement, is known for its visual-focused teaching approach. Before looking elsewhere, make sure you're fully utilizing what's already at your fingertips:

1. Revisit their visual guides and flowcharts. These can be particularly helpful for complex topics.
2. Take advantage of their video explanations for multiple-choice questions. Sometimes, seeing a concept explained visually can make all the difference.
3. Review their textbook content thoroughly. While Universal's strength lies in visual learning, don't neglect the detailed explanations in their text materials.

The Missing Piece: Mentorship and Guidance

While Universal CPA Review provides excellent study materials, there's one crucial element it might be missing: personalized mentorship. Think about any challenging endeavor in life, whether it's training for a marathon or learning a new skill. Having a coach or mentor can make a world of difference.

Self-study, while admirable, can sometimes lead to inefficient or misguided efforts. Without proper guidance, it's easy to fall into unproductive study habits or overlook critical areas of focus. This is where having a mentor in your CPA journey can be invaluable.

Challenges with Universal CPA Review

It's important to recognize some limitations of Universal CPA Review:

1. Their question bank, while high-quality, is smaller compared to some big box courses. This can limit your exposure to different question types and formats.
2. Like many review courses, Universal uses AICPA licensed questions. While these are excellent for practice, there's a risk of memorizing questions rather than truly understanding concepts.
3. The study platform, while user-friendly, may not offer advanced analytics to help you pinpoint and focus on your weakest areas efficiently.

Supplementing Universal CPA Review

Consider supplementing your Universal CPA Review materials with a CPA exam mentorship program. These programs can provide:

1. Structured study plans tailored to your specific needs and learning style
2. Accountability to keep you on track
3. Expert insights into exam strategy and time management
4. Personalized feedback on your progress and areas for improvement

A good mentorship program doesn't replace your primary study materials but enhances them, helping you use them more effectively.

Kesler CPA Review: Bridging the Gap

One option worth considering is Kesler CPA Review. This program is designed to complement comprehensive review courses like Universal CPA Review, bridging the gap between self-study and personalized guidance.

Kesler CPA Review offers:

1. A step-by-step plan that proactively teaches you how to pass the exam
2. Study supplements that pair well with your existing Universal CPA Review materials
3. Mentorship from experienced CPAs who understand the challenges you're facing
4. A unique question bank with content you haven't seen before, reducing the risk of question memorization

The goal isn't to replace Universal CPA Review, but to provide the structure, accountability, and personalized strategies that can help you make the most of Universal's visual learning approach.

Creating a New Study Plan

Armed with your Universal CPA Review materials and additional support, it's time to create a new study plan:

1. Set realistic goals and timelines based on your work and personal commitments
2. Implement a balanced approach that combines Universal's visual content with your mentor's guidance
3. Regular check-ins with your mentor to assess progress and adjust your strategy as needed

Remember, this new approach isn't about studying harder, but studying smarter.

Conclusion

Failing a section of the CPA exam with Universal CPA Review doesn't mean you can't succeed. It simply means you need to reassess your approach and perhaps seek additional support. By maximizing Universal's resources and supplementing them with personalized mentorship, you can create a powerful combination that sets you up for success.

Consider exploring mentorship options like Kesler CPA Review to complement your Universal CPA Review materials. With the right resources and guidance, you can overcome this setback and achieve your goal of becoming a CPA. Remember, many before you have been in this exact position and gone on to pass all four sections. You can do this!

For more information on CPA review courses and to compare alternatives, check out our comprehensive guide to the best CPA review courses. And don't forget to look at our list of the best CPA review discounts to save on your study materials.